the first of many

My sister, Jessica, is pregnant! Everyone is so excited in our family as this little love will be the first grandchild/niece/nephew (they aren't finding out the sex of the baby). It really has been amazing to see her go through all these changes and to think that she is about to enter into motherhood. I'm so happy for her and can't wait to see her in that role.

My family threw her a shower a month ago at our annual family reunion where we had the best time!

Then I, and her friend Jennifer Bailey, threw her a shower this weekend in Charlotte for her friends. It was such a great group of girls that came in for the shower, and Jessica got some great gifts.

 

 

  

Isn't she just the cutest?! Baby Lang is loved so much already! Congratulations Ryan and Jessica!

just a little giggle goes a long way

My little sister in my sorority, Kelley, giggles...a lot...and it is the cutest, most endearing thing ever! I always get so happy to talk to her because as soon as she answers the phone she goes, "Hey girl! Haha!" It automatically puts me in a good mood and eager to talk. I decided to adopt her giggles into my every day life, and man, has it changed things.

Not only do I feel more happy myself, but people are so much nicer when you place a little laugh before, after, and in between your sentences. I found that, at work, I wouldn't know an answer right off, but I would immediately make a joke of it, laugh, and then tell the person I'd get right back to them. Not only did it work, but they were so appreciative of a follow up call and were noticeably more happy themselves.

I tested this even further this past weekend when I went out with my friends. The cabbie (who in Charlotte are usually pretty rude and act as if they have no idea what is going on) was in a wonderful mood by the time he dropped me off at my destination and even showed me pics of his cute kids - so sweet! AND the doorman outside of the club I went to was nice and opened the door for me (he left the line that was behind me and walked me about 7 feet to the door to let me in) - such a nice personal touch, don't you think? I like to think this was all due to my constant smile and little giggle.

Is there anything extra you do to ensure you, and the others around you, are having a fun time?

lifetime window shopper

via Ikea

You know those people...the ones that fantasize about setting their place up with all the latest/coolest room decor, but never actually take the plunge to buy the dang stuff in order to make that fantasy come true. Well if you didn't know a person like that before, now you do. I'm HER. I'm THAT girl. It's shameful, honestly. I mentally file away a room color and curtain combination vowing that I will get started on it tomorrow, but then it never happens. I'm still thinking about this one wallpaper I want to get when I "have a real house". Sick, I know. 

What makes this problem worse is technology. Not only can I look up all these beautiful ideas/pictures online (Pinterest, I hate you), but my IP address is then saved by the company where I'm creepin'. So as if my fantasies aren't enough, I then get "Reminder" and "Miss You" emails like the ones below from these companies.

 

Why, yes, West Elm...I would like to save 15% on my next purchase. And how did you know I was looking at that exact duvet cover just yesterday?? Oh, you are sneaky sneaky! I need serious help!